Creating our own traditions

When did you decide that your old Haggadah just wasn't working for you anymore? Do you tend to use bits and pieces from different ones? Do you leave it up to whomever hosts to decide? I've been struggling a bit because I know that the one we've used for years and years hardly satisfies the adults, let alone my almost 4-year-old. I tried to explain the text to him in simple English, but I'm not sure that the content is relevant to him. And isn't the point of the Haggadah to tell the story? (L'hagid means to tell!) Last year, when I was 9 months pregnant at the seder, I brought along a handful of alternate texts and readings but they weren't particularly well-received. My goal for the coming year is to take another step forward so that next year not only my older son but even my younger one will understand a bit of the seder. I would love to hear suggestions and comments about how your seders have evolved since having kids. Thanks!

Register TODAY for Sunday's Passover GJF Event

Yes, I'm doing this last minute too, but the form is available online so there's no excuse! Find the form here: http://www.jccnv.org/documents/fliers/Passover-Fun-Flyer.pdf

Contact Brittanie or (703) 537-3019 to let her know to expect your registration.

Taste of Israel - Wed May 25

Need something to do with your teenager? If your child likes to cook (and to eat), look into the Taste of Israel: Ethnic Cooking at its Best on Wednesday May 25 at 7 pm at the JCC.

Six Israeli women from the area's partnership community with Beit Shemesh-Mateh Yehuda will come to the JCC to cook foods from different areas (Moroccan, Kurdish-Iraqi, Persian, Russian, and Yemenite). You'll learn about the food and also about the stories that these women have to offer. It promises to appeal to all the senses.

You MUST register in advance (by May 20). Please contact Laurie Albert or Amy Brinko to register. The cost is $22 member / $28 nonmember.

Play ball - July 10

Save the date for Jewish Community Day at Nationals Park. The Nats will host the Rockies at 1:35 pm and there will be all sorts of activities. Discounted tickets are available. There will be Jewish-themed music and food (of course there is always a kosher food stand anyway). There will also be some sort of special giveaway - details TBA.

For more information, contact Greg Foscato (202-640-7806). I'll post more information when it's available.